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Everything You Need To Know About The Kia Sorento

Everything You Need To Know About The Kia Sorento

Forbes31-03-2025

The Kia Sorento is a mid-size three-row crossover in its fourth generation. It was first launched with the 2023 model and it's improving with age; it's now better than ever. Kia added the X-Pro trim to the Sorento for model year 2024, a good match for those who like their compact SUVs with a side of adventure.
In the midsize SUV category, the Sorento competes with vehicles from its sister company, Hyundai, like the Palisade and the Santa Fe. Mazda's CX-90 is a sleek competitor with a gorgeous interior, but its infotainment setup doesn't match Kia's.
Here's all the information you need to know about the Kia Sorento's trim levels and how to choose the right one for you.
Kia Sorento SX-Prestige X-Pro
Kia
The Kia Sorento is available in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims; the X-Line is available on EX and above and X-Pro on SX Prestige. Hybrid and plug-in Sorento models are also available, but not with the X-Pro option.
Starting in the base LX model, the Sorento includes LED headlights, a six-speaker audio system, a nicely-sized 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also standard is a host of driver-assist features like rear automatic braking, intersection collision mitigation, blind spot warning, forward collision warning, and cruise control. Note that the base Sorento uses a physical key; upgrade to the S model for a push-button start.
The S also adds a power-adjustable, heated driver's seat and heated passenger seat, roof rails, dual climate control, parking sensors in the front and rear, an integrated digital navigation system, and a wireless charging pad.
Next is the EX, which gets a big horsepower upgrade, a hands-free liftgate, captain's chairs in the middle (reducing total seating to six), and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. Lane centering is also added to this trim. You can choose the X-Line package to the EX trim that includes all-wheel drive and and a sunroof and enhances the appearance of the exterior.
If you don't choose the X-Line EX package, you get the panoramic sunroof as part of the SX level. You also get a 360-degree camera and enhanced driver-assist features along with heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery. In the SX Prestige at the top of the line, the front seats are both heated and ventilated, and you'll also enjoy the addition of a 115-volt household-style power outlet and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. For further enhancements to the exterior, choose the X-Line SX-P package or the X-Pro for all-terrain tires wrapped around 17-inch wheels.
Kia Sorento SX-Prestige X-Pro
Kia
The Kia Sorento starts with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. I prefer the upgraded power, starting at the EX trim, to 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. That extra 100 hp makes the difference when you need to pass or when navigating varied terrain during a camping adventure.
Only the X-Pro gets the benefit of 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Plus, the maximum towing capacity is 4,000 pounds, which is 500 more than the rest of the trims can handle. While 4,000 pounds might not compare to the 7,500 pounds a larger SUV can tow, the Sorento still has plenty of power to tow a small trailer, a boat, or a couple of snowmobiles.
Kia Sorento SX-Prestige X-Pro
Kia
The Kia Sorento's interior is comfortable and well executed at this price point. Sure, the materials are livable in the base levels, but the leather upholstery in the upper trims is impressively soft and plush. You'll get seating for seven as standard, or pare down to six with the optional captain's chairs in the second row.
There's a total of 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, plenty to carry a family and carry-on luggage for a weekend trip. That stretches to 38.5 cubic feet if you fold down the third row, or you can meet in the middle with the 60/40-split folding bench seat. Just the two of you? Open up the entire 75.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.
Small storage is on the paltry side, so if you have a family who loves to snack, you might want to bring some containers or buy an after-market behind-the-seat organizer.
Kia Sorento SX-Prestige X-Pro
Kia
Kia sprinkles USB ports generously throughout the cabin, so passengers can't complain about that. Apple CarPlay connected quickly for me, and I like that it has the wireless option.
Music is a must for me, and I appreciated the upgraded 12-speaker Bose sound system in the SX Prestige X-Pro trim. Steering wheel audio controls are easy to use, and setting favorite stations is a breeze. I don't love the dash controls, which alternate between climate and audio; it's too easy to think you're adjusting the volume and you're actually turning up the heat.
If you're in the market for a three-row SUV that can handle a variety of terrains, the Kia Sorento X-Pro is your best bet. But if your travels keep you on paved roads, you'll be just as happy in the EX.

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